Doubled cargo volume on Belgium service

12:23 - 04 May 2017 / News

The cargo volume on the Swedish Orient Lines Gothenburg-Zeebrugge route has increased with 98 per cent in the first quarter 2017 compared to the same period last year. The increased demand is met with larger vessels and increased sailing frequency.

Due to the increased demand, SOL offers seven sailings per week in each direction.

The cargo volume on the Swedish Orient Lines (SOL) Gothenburg-Zeebrugge route has increased with 98 per cent in the first quarter 2017 compared to the same period last year.

Seven sailings per weekDue to the high growth and demand of cargo on this route, the shipping line has significantly increased the capacity and sailing frequency to seven sailings per week in each direction. During the peak periods the company has offered two more additional sailings per week to serve their customer’s needs.

“The route between Gothenburg and Zeebrugge has shown a very positive development since the beginning of 2016. With the additional sailings, we can fulfil the growing demand of our customers. It is always our objective to offer clients the best possible service. To further improve the booking process and the usability for our clients, we are currently developing our online booking system”, says Ragnar Johansson, Managing Director, Svenska Orient Linien AB.

The connection between Gothenburg and Zeebrugge was added to SOL’s network in November 2014 as the result of a cooperation with Stora Enso. Three vessels with a capacity of 2.600 lane metres each make the crossing in approximately 34 hours. All sailings are calling PSA Wielingendok in Zeebrugge and the RoRo Terminal in Gothenburg.

Mostly machinery, vechiles and components Belgium is Sweden’s eighth largest export market with annual exports worth around 50 billion kronor, mainly engineering products, machinery and bearings. Many Swedish goods that are exported are transloaded in Belgium for onward movement to other markets. Imports from Belgium comprise foodstuffs, vehicles and components for Swedish industry.

Apart from SOL, the ro-ro* companies CLdN and DFDS Seaways also operate services to Belgium – to Zeebrugge and Ghent respectively.

* Ro-ro stands for roll-on/roll-off and refers to trailers and other wheeled cargo carried on ships.